Who this information is for
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This information is for women who have had vaginal surgery to treat prolapse.
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Your hospital stay
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After vaginal surgery, most women will stay in hospital for three to five days. You will usually be ok to go home after you are feeling well and able to pass urine with no problems.
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Most women stay in hospital for three to five days. You can go home once you are feeling well and once you are able to pass urine with no problem.
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After you go home
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It is important to rest after the operation and allow the area to heal.
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For the first two weeks
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- If you have had mesh, vaginal loss will be minimal and light pink for up to two weeks.
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For the first two to four weeks
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- keep your activity light and easy
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- avoid heavy lifting (nothing heavier than four kilograms), including shopping bags, washing baskets and children.
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- avoid playing sport, swimming and impact exercises such as jogging or jumping for four weeks
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- If you have had mesh, you may have a sudden, moderate vaginal loss in the first eight to ten days, which should then stop
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- if you have had mesh, any stitches that you still have in when you go home will fall out once they dissolve in about ten days (and up to three weeks). These do not need to be removed.
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For the first six weeks
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- abstain from sexual intercourse.
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You may
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- drive a car after two weeks; however, check this with your car insurance provider.
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Pain relief
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- we suggest that you take paracetamol (such as Panadol) every four hours for two weeks (medications with codeine, like Panadeine, are constipating)
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- ensure you take some time each day to rest.
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Maintain good bowel habits
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- try to drink approximately 1.5 litres of fluid each day
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- use Metamucil or a similar preparation (available at chemists) if required to promote a soft, easy stool.
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Informed consent
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This Patient Information contains detailed information about the surgery. Its purpose is to explain to you as openly and clearly as possible the procedures and risks involved before you decide whether or not to proceed.
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Please read this Patient Information carefully. Feel free to ask questions about any information in the document. You may also wish to discuss the surgery with a relative or friend or your local health worker. Feel free to do this.
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Once you understand the surgical procedure and risks and if you agree to proceed, you will be asked to sign the Consent Form. By signing the Consent Form, you indicate that you understand the information and that you give your consent.
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You will be given a copy of the Patient Information to keep as a record.
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Your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you have, and can give more specific advice.
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If you experience complications after you leave hospital, contact your local doctor or attend your closest hospital emergency department.
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Further information or concerns
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Royal Women's Hospital
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Urogynaecology Pelvic Floor Service
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Locked Bag 300
Grattan St & Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052
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Tel: (03) 8345 2000
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Last updated Jan 2008
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